2026 Honda HR-V vs 2026 Hyundai Kona

$26,200 · Crossover

$25,350 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

The most significant numerical divergence between the 2026 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Hyundai Kona lies in fuel economy, with the Kona achieving 31 combined MPG compared to the HR-V's 28 combined MPG. The Kona also shows superior highway efficiency at 34 MPG versus the HR-V's 32 MPG, although the HR-V offers marginally better city ratings (26 MPG vs. Kona's 29 MPG). In terms of power, the HR-V holds a clear advantage, producing 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque against the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque. Price is another key point, as the Kona undercuts the HR-V by $850 with an MSRP of $25,350 versus $26,200. Dimensionally, the HR-V is substantially longer at 179.8 inches compared to the Kona’s 171.3 inches, which translates to a slightly larger 25.5 cu ft cargo capacity in the Kona.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 31 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona offers slightly more usable space with 25.5 cu ft of cargo capacity compared to the HR-V's 24.4 cu ft.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Honda HR-V

The 2026 Honda HR-V provides higher output with 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque versus the Kona's 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2026 Hyundai Kona

The 2026 Hyundai Kona delivers better value by being $850 cheaper while offering superior fuel efficiency.

Choose the Honda HR-V if...

You prioritize higher engine output, benefiting from 158 horsepower.
You require a longer exterior footprint, measuring 179.8 inches in length.
You prefer the marginally better city fuel economy rating of 26 MPG for urban driving over the Kona’s 29 MPG.

Choose the Hyundai Kona if...

Achieving the best fuel economy is the top priority, highlighted by its 31 combined MPG rating.
Keeping the initial purchase price low is critical, as it starts at $25,350.
You need slightly more dedicated storage space, offering 25.5 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Honda HR-V	Hyundai Kona
Length	179.8"	171.3"
Width	72.4"	71.9"
Height	63.4"	62.2"
Wheelbase	104.5"	104.7"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Lane Departure Warning	✓	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	✓
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	—
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Solid Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	—
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Blind Spot Monitor	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	2.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	inline 4
Base Engine Type	gas	gas
Horsepower	158 hp @ 6500 rpm	147 hp @ 6200 rpm
Torque	138 lb-ft @ 4200 rpm	132 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm
Number of Valves	16	16
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable

Drive Train

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Transmission Type	continuously variable-speed automatic	continuously variable-speed automatic
Drivetrain Type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Hill Descent Control	✓	✓

Fuel

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Fuel Type	regular unleaded	regular unleaded
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	26/32 MPG	29/34 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	28 MPG	31 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	364.0/448.0 mi.	359.6/421.6 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	14.0 gal.	12.4 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Adaptive Cruise Control	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Front Seatback Storage	✓	—
Single Zone Climate Control	✓	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	—
Rear Parking Sensors	—	✓
Interior Air Filtration	—	✓
Extended Cabin Heating/Cooling	—	✓
Driver Vanity Mirror	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Infotainment Display	9.0 in	12.3 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Stereo Power	180W	—
Speaker System	4	6
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	✓	—
Satellite Radio	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
One-Touch Power Windows	1	1
Remote Keyless Entry	✓	—
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓
Keyless Entry	—	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Front Head Room	39.4 in.	39.9 in.
Front Leg Room	41.9 in.	41.7 in.
Front Shoulder Room	56.6 in.	56.8 in.
Front Hip Room	54.0 in.	54.3 in.
Seat Material: Cloth	✓	✓
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Manual Adjustments	6-way	6-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments	4-way	—

Rearseats

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Rear Head Room	38.0 in.	38.3 in.
Rear Leg Room	37.7 in.	38.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	55.2 in.	55.2 in.
Rear Hip Room	47.4 in.	52.4 in.
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Wheel Finish	Painted Alloy	—
Wheel Diameter	17 in	—
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	215/60R H	215/60R17
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Material	—	Alloy
Wheel Size	—	17 x 7.0 in

Suspension

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	—
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	—
Front Suspension Type	—	Independent
Stabilizer Bar	—	✓

Warranty

Feature	Honda	Hyundai
Basic Warranty	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ 60000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	5 yr./ 60000 mi.	10 yr./ 100000 mi.
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	5 yr./ unlimited mi.	7 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	3 yr./ 36000 mi.	5 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	1 yr./ 12000 mi.	—

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2026 Honda HR-V and 2026 Hyundai Kona.

Which vehicle is more affordable between the 2026 HR-V and the 2026 Kona?

The 2026 Hyundai Kona is the more budget-friendly option with a starting MSRP of $25,350, which is $850 less than the 2026 Honda HR-V's $26,200 starting price.

How do their standard powertrain outputs compare?

The 2026 Honda HR-V is the more powerful vehicle, delivering 158 hp and 138 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 Hyundai Kona lags slightly with 147 hp and 132 lb-ft of torque.

Is the Kona or the HR-V better for maximizing fuel stops?

The Kona generally requires fewer trips to the pump due to its higher efficiency ratings, achieving 31 combined MPG versus the HR-V's 28 combined MPG. The Kona also boasts superior highway efficiency at 34 MPG.

Does the smaller exterior dimension of the Kona impact cargo space?

Despite the Kona being significantly shorter at 171.3 inches compared to the HR-V's 179.8 inches, the Kona manages to offer slightly more maximum cargo capacity at 25.5 cubic feet against the HR-V's 24.4 cubic feet.

Are the transmissions different between these two standard models?

No, both the 2026 Honda HR-V and the 2026 Hyundai Kona utilize a continuously variable-speed automatic transmission (CVT) as standard equipment for their base models.

What is the difference in overall size metrics?

The HR-V is noticeably larger overall, being 8.5 inches longer (179.8 vs. 171.3 inches) and slightly wider and taller than the Kona, yet both share the same regular unleaded fuel requirement.